tersely

American  

[turs-lee] / ˈtɜrs li /

adverb

1. in an effectively concise manner; succinctly.

   This phenomenally prolific creator of tersely plotted psychological thrillers deserves to be on your bookshelves.

   The ordinance fulfills the tersely and clearly worded language of the city's comprehensive plan.

2. in an abruptly concise manner; brusquely.

   “Maybe that's my business,” replied the girl tersely as she turned away.

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Other Word Forms

• untersely adverb

Etymology

Origin of tersely

terse ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

When an intern tells a patient that he believes kindness is the best medicine, J.D. tersely interrupts his blue-sky meliorism with a cold splash of reality.

From Salon

“I am aware,” she said tersely, but then she continued to look at him, as if she regretted it.

From Literature

The tersely written account said that “many” officials thought a rate cut wouldn’t be warranted in December but that “several” thought a reduction “could well be appropriate.”

From The Wall Street Journal

He then demands that she report to his home office, where, moments after she steps into the room, he tersely says, “Sit,” as if issuing a command to another canine.

From Salon

In contrast to the enthusiasm many displayed, Newsom responded tersely with a text message: “Hiking. Will call back.”

From Los Angeles Times